Lavinia Woolf
As the capital of Queensland's biggest city Brisbane is a bustling metropolis. A tourist haven for the masses the best transport methods for travellers touring the city are as follows.
A one of the most enjoyable ways to get around in Brisbane the CityCat catamarans are a traveller's best friend. Available every 20-30 minutes the CityCat catamarans transport commuters from 5.50am to 10.30 at night. Stopovers include the Bretts Wharf, University of Queensland, the North Quay, South Bank, New Farm Park, Guyatt Park and The Riverside for those in the central business district. Accessible to wheelchair bound passengers at certain points the CityCat service is supported by Inner City Ferries which crisscrosses the river at various points including Mowbray Park, North Quay and the Victoria Bridge. Running from 6am to 11pm other cross river ferry services are also available in Brisbane.
Known for its convenience the ultra speedy Citytrain network of Brisbane operates seven railway lines. Running as further as Gympie North to the north of the city where Sunshine Coast is located to Robina in the south where famed Gold Coast is found. Running through key points in the city visitors can access the Citytrain network from Central Station, Brunswick Street Station and Roma Street Station. Travellers that have secured Brisbane CBD accommodation in establishments such as the Oaks Mews however can access the Bowen Hills train station as the venue is a stone's throw away from the aparthotel.
Brisbane allows 2 hours of free parking on most of its streets, including areas of the central business district as well as some of the inland suburbs of the city making rental cars and motorcycles a popular option among free-spirited travellers. Peak traffic periods in the morning and evening however should be avoided as parking is strictly prohibited. Cheap parking fares are synonymous with South Bank while free parking is available in the CBD in the late evening hours.
Taxis are easily accessible and omnipresent in the CBD with Yellow Cab Co and Black and White taxis being the two main operators in Brisbane.
When travelling around Brisbane city it's hard to miss the free bus service that takes commuters around the city area. Known as The Loop, stopovers include Central Station, Queen St Mall, the Riverside and the City Botanic Gardens. Running nearly every 10 minutes The Loop is operational between 7am to 6pm. Perfect for daytime travel visitors interested in using the free bus service can get acquainted with the routes and times at the Information Centre located at the Queen St Mall bus station underground which is incidentally the main stop for all local bus operators in Brisbane. Tourists can also hop on colour coded bus stops located amidst George Street and St. Edward Street as well as Adelaide Street. Available every 10-20 minutes on weekdays the colour coded buses of Brisbane cease operation after midnight on all days except Sundays when the service comes to a halt at 9pm.
